The use of Web 2.0 tools to develop e-portfolios in a teacher training program : an exploratory survey

Abstract

Web 2.0 technologies offer educators amazing opportunities for creating an effective and engaging learning environment for their students. In this paper we present how Web 2.0 tools can be successfully used for promoting collaboration and technological skills in teacher education programs. Participated in the study 24 teachers enrolled in a master program in Education at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, in the 1st semester of 2007/2008. The experience involved the use of Web 2.0 tools – Googlepages and GoogleDocs – to build an e-portfolio and explored advanced collaborative interactions and participative assessment as part of the teaching method. Teachers´ opinions and perceptions on the learning experience with Web 2.0 tools were evaluated at the end of the semester through survey techniques. Findings show that teachers valued the learning experience and felt more responsible for preparing the learning opportunities that facilitate students’ use of technology to learn, and communicate. We do hope that this work will contribute to the development of appropriate training programs for ICT skills of teachers that will prepare them to play an essential role in producing technology capable citizens for the 21st century.